i am new to the site. i have been having what i believe to be CH's for about 20 yrs. however,  almost exactly three years elapses between cycles and my cycles are much shorter (3 wks) than what most research suggest is typical. the pain, diurnal precision, and agony are all there. but, the fact that so much research suggests seasonality leaves me wondering how several fall/springs pass without incident.

I also have a question about the purported histamine connection. if this were so, would not an antihistamine pharmacological approach be effective?

I'm aware of the fact that I should consider myself lucky, and i gratefully do, that i do not suffer attacks as frequently as most. However, I am still curious to find a cause, a reason, to explain that which no one else in my family nor anyone else i know suffers from.

What Helen said.

Welcome to the family, but sure wish we could disown you!

Jerry

i currently take topomax daily as a prophylactic and perhaps that is why its been three years. who knows if i would have had a cycle had i not been taking the topo. the dosage was upped dramatically once the cycle started to no avail. i take axert and maxalt as abortives with mixed results. have tried phenylephrine and capsaicin nasal sprays with mixed results. if i am not on my vessel( i am employed as a third mate) i will take a prescription pain reliever if i am having a night time CH. but, due to the nature of my work, this is not an option while on board.

I am currently having the longest cycle i ever have and nothing seems to be working. the nature of the headaches themselves are changing, as once the initial attack is over the headache lingers all day like a sore muscle after a cramp until i have the next attack. i have a rx for prednisone but have never taken it and am thus a little reticent.

I just started a 15 day taper of Decradron, another type of steroid.  I'm on day two.  I feel better today than I have in two months!   I've heard that sometimes it will break a cycle.  I can hope! 

Jeannie